I often work off of portraits or extant pieces in museums, but I can also use pictures from magazines or other sources.  *Note: If we're working with a picture from a magazine or similar source, I will not even try make the exact piece!  Not only does that often infringe on another artist's copywrite, but it's just not ethical.  Besides, you don't want exactly what someone else has anyway, do you?  What I can do is create something with the same feel to it, which is generally what attracts someone to a particular piece anyway.

I usually work with pearls and other semi-precious stones, and gold- or silver-plated findings; this keeps your costs down while keeping your "look" classy.  I can, however, use sterling silver, vermeil, or gold, but this will make all costs go up quite a bit!

If you are interested in creating a custom piece, I will need some basic information:

*What are we creating? (Necklace, bracelet, earrings, etc.)

*What size? (Example: necklace length)

*Gold or silver?  Plated or solid?

*What style are you looking for? (Earthy, modern, feminine, etc.)

*When do you need the piece? (Deadline?)

*Any other thoughts you might have, especially sketches/pictures/etc.

Once we have this basic information down, I can work up a design based on our conversations.  I'll email or fax the design to you for your approval, along with a cost and time estimate.  Once you approve of the design, I will need a down payment of 1/2 the estimated cost to get started.  Once I have the item finished, I'll send you a picture of the piece for your approval.  If you like what you see, I'll need the balance of the cost before shipping.  If I do not receive the balance within 30 days, the deposit is forfeit and your piece may be offered for sale, at my discretion.

That all said, I would love to help you make something special!  Please email me any time at sablegreyhound@hotmail.com; I'm looking forward to working with you!

Holly

Do you have a special event coming up?  A wedding, Renaissance Faire, SCA event or perhaps a loved one's birthday?  I would be happy to help you create the perfect piece of jewelry for the occasion!  Custom design is one of my favorite things to do and I work hard to get you exactly the piece you've been dreaming about!

(Click the picture at left for a few examples of my custom work.

Also check out pieces I've done in the past, in my Gallery section.)